Diet for Autism 

19-20 % of children with autism tend to have certain gastrointestinal problems. Gluten and casein are the two substances which when removed from the diet of a child with autism shows dramatic improvements in speech and behavioral patterns. It is believed that up on digestion the proteins present in casein and gluten breakdown into molecules which resemble opium-like drugs. These molecules tend to leak from the gut and pass in to blood which then travel to the brain and induce a ‘high' state similar to that of opium containing drugs which is the cause for behavioral changes.

Casein is a milk protein found in different milk and milk products like yoghurt, cottage cheese, cheese, ice creams, butter and cream. Caseinate a form of casein can also be added in certain non dairy products like hot dogs or soy cheese. Gluten and its like proteins are present in wheat and other grains like oats, barley, rye, durum, bulgar, food starches like semolina, vinegar, soya sauce, malt, flavorings, artificial colors and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins.

Now id casein and gluten are eliminated you might wonder what to give your child? You may have a lot of options like you can include a wide variety of meat, eggs, poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure to read food labels for gluten and casein information before giving anything to your child.